HOME ON THE RANGE

Prickly Pear Cactus

Do you remember that old campfire song, Home on the Range: 
Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam
Where the deer and the antelope play...

Hello!?  Who wrote that song?  Were they nuts?  This is where the deer and the antelope play, and its covered with fricken cactus!  This is not what I want in the front yard of MY  home, thanks but no thanks!  You can't run barefoot or roll around in it.  (trust me, I've tried!).  I think if I were never to see another cactus plant in my life I could still live a happy and content life.  In fact, to say that I hate cactus would probably be one of the biggest understatements of the year!

BUCK FEVER!

My son Zack bagged a 4x6 mule deer this morning.  It was his first buck, and quite a decent sized one.  I don't know who is prouder, Zack or his father!   I have to say Zack was a real trooper, he works until 1am, comes home, goes to bed, gets up to go out hunting at 4:30am, hunts until 11am and then has to be back at work by 4pm.   I don't know what he's happier about, getting a bigger buck than his dad, or being able to sleep in from now on.

 The neighbors are used to us bringing home big game and hanging it in the garage.  Being part of a big hunting community, the children flock over to point and giggle while the grown-ups trade stories.  Today the little girl from down the street and her younger sister showed up for the first time.  They were followed by their cat Toonces, who is no stranger to our yard, which it sees as a huge community litter box.  Thinking the cat wanted a closer look at the buck which was in the process of being skinned, the little neighbor girl scooped the cat up and held it closer.  The cat caught sight of the buck and absolutely freaked out!  I don't think that cat will be squatting in my yard ever again!